49ers have NFL-high 5 players named 1st-team All-Pros

The 49ers had a league-high five players named to the AP All-Pro’s first team today, matching the numbers of first-team All-Pros they had from 2003-10.

On defense, tackle Justin Smith and inside linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman were honored after they headlined a unit that ranked second in the NFL in points allowed per game (14.3) and set a 16-game NFL record by allowing three rushing touchdowns.

On special teams, placekicker David Akers and punter Andy Lee earned first-team recognition after record-setting seasons. Akers set single-season NFL records for field goals made (44), attempted (52) and for the most points by a kicker (166). Lee had the third-highest punting average in NFL history (50.9) and his net average of 44.0 established a league record.

NaVorro Bowman

Willis (97 tackles) was named a first-team All-Pro for the fourth time in his five-year career despite missing three games with a hamstring injury. Willis was one of seven players who earned first-team honors for the second straight year.

Smith and Bowman earned first-team recognition for the first time in their careers. Bowman, who was not named to the NFC Pro Bowl team, ranked seventh in the NFL with 143 tackles in his first season as a starter. Smith, an 11-year veteran, had 58 tackles, 7.5 sacks and game-sealing plays in wins against the Eagles and Giants.

Left tackle Joe Staley and cornerback Carlos Rogers, who ranked tied for fourth in the league with six interceptions, were second-team All-Pros. An oddity: Smith, who received votes at defensive tackle and defensive end, was also placed on the second team as a defensive end.

Baltimore had three players named to the first team, the second-highest total behind San Francisco.